How to Get your Dog to Chew Food More

How to Get Your Dog to Chew Food More

Have you ever watched your dogs eat only to marvel at how quickly they gulp down their food? You probably wonder why they barely take the time to taste and chew their food. You are not alone on this. I used to wonder too.

Well, this is one behavior common with most pets. Oftentimes, this behavior may be fine, but there are also times it presents certain risks. Therefore, it is important that you do what you can to ensure your dog chews well enough when eating.

 

Why Do Dogs Chew Less When Eating?

In order to understand the chewing behavior of dogs, it is important to have a fair knowledge of their origin. Studies have shown that dogs descended from or share a common ancestry with wolves. Life for wild animals such as wolves can be tough and so they tend to devour whatever food they lay their hands on as quickly as possible. This instinct still lives on even in their domesticated forms as dogs.

Also, biologically speaking, they are designed to accommodate the quick swallowing of large amounts of food. This can be seen in the ability of their esophagus (mouth and throat) to expand and stretch to five times its size.

Dangers of Not Chewing Food before Swallowing

Should you be concerned when your dogs do not chew well enough while eating? My personal opinion is a resounding YES! Like it was said earlier, even though this behavior of swallowing without chewing is biologically accommodated for, in dogs, there are certain risks it presents.

One of the most common concerns is stomach upset and regurgitation of their meal. Also, your dogs stand a choking risk when they swallow foods that are meant to be chewed first. This can be quite a life threatening.

A more life-threatening condition of swallowing food without chewing is known simply as bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus. This is a medical condition where the stomach expands and twists within and around the abdomen, thus cutting off the pathway between the stomach and the intestines. This may only be corrected by surgical treatment.

 

Ways to Help your Dog Chew More

• You can use a slow feeder bowl designed to help regulate their pace of eating
• In the absence of a slow feeder bowl, you can manually introduce an obstacle into your dog's feeding bowl
• You can use food puzzle toys so your dog has to find its way around in order to have access to the food
• You can also manually reduce the amount of food available to your dog for a single feeding
• You may want to consider entirely changing your dog’s food
• You should make out time to hand-feed your dogs
• Ensure to feed your dogs in a calm and safe environment

 

Bottom Line

Even though it is in your dog’s nature to swallow food without taking the time to chew well enough, it is possible to help them modify this behavior and slow down when eating.

However, your dog’s refusal to chew their food may be due to some other issues. If after trying the above-recommended tips and nothing changes, it is only wise to consult a veterinarian.

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